Around the globe, people are struggling to consume the proper nutrients needed to support optimal health. Take, for example, a recent study published in Nutrients; data from the U.S. and Germany found that despite adequate knowledge of the health benefits and food sources of omega-3 fatty acids, 98% of participants fell below the optimal range.

“There is definitely a major correlation between omega-3 levels and chronic disease, and unfortunately, omega-3 deficiency is a global issue, putting many at a higher risk of health issues,” warned Dr. Nils Hoem, chief scientist at Aker BioMarine. “Most people globally have low levels of EPA and DHA in their blood.”

Insufficient omega-3 levels can put people at higher risk for chronic disease, Dr. Hoem added, such as heart disease, suboptimal brain function, increased likelihood for major depression, as well as other issues.

Treating such lifestyle diseases can be costly to patients and to society. A recent report from the World Economic Forum and the Harvard School of Public Health suggested that during the next 15 years healthcare costs related to these lifestyle diseases will accumulate to $22 trillion globally. Advocates in the health and wellness industry believe intervention with omega-3 EPA and DHA could be a practical, proactive approach to halting this global healthcare crisis.

“Education is key when it comes to preventing these types of lifestyle diseases, which is why we are making awareness a priority. Finding the right balance is key to putting us on the right track to becoming healthier,” said Dr. Hoem.

To help shed light on this critical issue, supplier of krill-derived products to the consumer health and wellness and animal nutrition markets, Aker BioMarine, has embarked on a campaign to help raise awareness for the problems associated with a low Omega-3 Index.

Setting the Scene
The company travelled to a distant corner of Greenland to create a short film highlighting the importance of omega-3 consumption. The film’s motivation was to help consumers reflect on their life balance and its link to nutrition.

“To set the scene, we travelled back to a remote area in Greenland. We followed a family living in Kapisillit, a fishing village, to experience first-hand how they live as one with nature, unaffected by the modern Western diet and lifestyle,” said Per-Olav Sørensen, the Norwegian award-winning director of the film. “With this raw scenic film, we want to touch a nerve and make people reflect on their own lives, and find the motivation to improve life balance.”

In the 1970s, Danish researchers discovered a correlation between omega-3 consumption and reduced risk of heart disease, as scientists sought to understand how the Greenland Inuits could eat a high fat diet and still have low levels of cholesterol and triglycerides. The film returns to this community to tell the story of how omega-3 intake in still benefiting this population, while showcasing how modern lifestyles can often be counterproductive to healthy eating.

A key takeaway from this short film is that even those who seem “healthy” could be dangerously low in omega-3s. Dr. Hoem discussed how even those with active lifestyles and seemingly balanced diets could fall dangerously low in omega-3s.

“As seen in the short film, Maria, the main character, lives an active lifestyle and eats a healthy diet. Unfortunately, that is not enough and we find out that her Omega-3 Index is low, indicating that her life is not as healthy and balanced as she thought,” Dr. Hoem explained. “Luckily, Maria was able to find that out because she took the Omega-3 Index test, a nutritional tool that measures the percentage of EPA and DHA in red blood cells.”

Dr. Hoem recognized that the lack of instant gratification or outward result from taking omega-3s can make it difficult for some consumers to comply with daily supplementation recommendations. “Like other risk factors for heart disease, such as high cholesterol or even high blood pressure, you cannot ‘feel’ a low omega-3 level. The Omega-3 Index test can really help change the way people address food and nutrition; some experts are even going as far as calling this tool the ‘new cholesterol test’ or the number you want to brag about.”

Omega-3 Index Project
In the film, you see Maria and her father being checked for their Omega-3 Index at the doctor’s office in a routine annual checkup.

The Omega-3 Index Project was established to help raise awareness for such testing, and educate consumers how omega-3 levels impact health.

“First off, it is important for people to know their Omega-3 Index levels so they can determine if they are in fact deficient of these important nutrients,” noted Dr. Hoem. “Once they find out their levels, they can choose an omega-3 regimen to fit their particular needs, putting them on track for a healthier and more balanced lifestyle.”

An Omega-3 Index result of 8-12% is associated with better, overall health, and a lower risk for premature death, he added. “Anything less than 8% puts consumers in the least desirable risk zones. This number also points to your relative risk for sudden cardiac death.”

Inspiring Change
Education is key when it comes to preventing lifestyle diseases, and that is why Aker BioMarine is making awareness a priority.

“We have the opportunity to elicit a positive change, but we need to start at the beginning. As you can see from the film, there is no ‘one size fits all’ approach to healthy living,” said Dr. Hoem. “In order to maintain balance in life, you must address health from every aspect, and that is why we are proactively communicating the importance of knowing your Omega-3 Index level."

With this short film, the team at Aker BioMarine sought to pull at heartstrings and use emotion as a way to create impact. “The message that we hope to convey is that finding the right balance is crucial to help put us on the right track of becoming healthier,” concluded Dr. Hoem.

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